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Post by uncleglenny on Jul 9, 2013 8:02:53 GMT -5
Hi all I have a 30 gallon tank and am thinking I would like to replace the gravel with thats clay stuff (forget what its called) and a pool filter sand cap wanna help out my plants, is this even do-able in an already established tank and if so how do I do it.
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Post by Rainbowfish Alan on Jul 9, 2013 9:11:38 GMT -5
You may get more experienced advice, but replacing your entire substrate is probably the biggest change you can make, and your tank will go through a mini cycle. You will have to watch your ammonia, nitrates and nitrates very carefully. I have replaced some of my substrate without a mini cycle, but I had 2 well conditioned filters running all the time. Also, digging up the substrate will release lots of organics into the water, so keep the fish out of the tank until the water is good again. This is how I would do it:
1. Drain tank water into a large Rubbermaid tote. Add a heater (may not be necessary in summer temps), and if you are running more than one filter move one to the tote. At the very least get a bubbler going too.
2. Move your fish to the tote. Cover with a towel so its all dark.
3. Remove ornaments and plants.
4. Remove gravel. Drain the rest of the water. Rinse.
5. Add your clay and then sand. Lots of YouTube videos on this. If you want some reddish baked clay I may be able to sell you some a lot cheaper than the fish stores.
6. Run filters until reasonably clear then scape the tank with plants etc. Keep running filters and bubblers to condition the water. Rinse mechanical media in filter to improve flow and remove gunk.
7. Test your water. Return fish when you have a reasonable temp match.
If I think of something else, I'll let you know. Hopefully some others will chime in with advice too.
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Post by Rainbowfish Alan on Jul 9, 2013 9:14:00 GMT -5
Purigen in your filter is great for removing unwanted organics and clearing up water.
If you do use Purigen, never use an amine based dechlorinator.
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Post by uncleglenny on Jul 9, 2013 9:17:08 GMT -5
so how long would this take to put fish back in the tank, and if it mini cycles are water changes the answer?
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Post by Rainbowfish Alan on Jul 9, 2013 9:26:29 GMT -5
I would put them back as soon as
1 Water is clear
2 Ammonia and Nitrates are not spiking
And yes, once you return the fish, keep testing daily and if there is a spike..... water change.
Prime also helps take the edge off spikes.
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Post by uncleglenny on Jul 9, 2013 9:32:23 GMT -5
Thanks alot for your help, In your opinion would you upgrade lighting (I have 2 t8s on a 30 gallon)or substrate first?
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Post by Rainbowfish Alan on Jul 9, 2013 10:15:13 GMT -5
My opinion is that substrates by themselves don't work miracles. Bigger factors are light, co2 and ferts. Substrates do provide different degrees of anchoring, and for root feeding plants delivery of ferts (if they are enriched or high CEC). However, almost all plants will feed from the water column, making substrates less of a factor. Of course substrates also affect aesthetics. Just my opinion though.
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Post by guppyguy on Jul 9, 2013 13:34:02 GMT -5
Excellent Answers Roland6543. I just seen this post so you beat me to it. But I believe you got everything covered.  |
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Post by uncleglenny on Jul 9, 2013 18:11:34 GMT -5
Thanks guys I guess ill work on upgrading my lights then I'll worry about my substrate later.
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Post by Andre on Jul 10, 2013 12:55:14 GMT -5
What you can also do if you wanna keep your fish in the tank is do 1/2 your tank at a time over 2 week period..
This will allow the tank to not go into a mini cycle state and second allow the bacteria to getting the new substrate. If you can use something to divide the tanks substrate in 2 like a small piece of acrylic or glass or just a tupperware lid that you can cut up and use to separate.
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